Welcome to the Regional Youth Leadership (RYL) Student Application! Be sure to review the RYL Student Website for additional program and application information. This includes advice for preparing your application. 

We’re thrilled that you’re interested in RYL, a program of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. RYL brings together high school students from Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, including those in public, private, and home schools, to develop leadership skills, explore the region, and build connections with other students.

Time Commitment & Tips for Applying
Plan to spend about 60–90 minutes completing this application. Many applicants prefer to draft their responses in a Word document first to keep a copy and avoid losing work. Be sure to save your progress as you move through the form. Click here to download the essay questions in Word for advance preparation before you begin.

What's next?
Once you submit your application, you’ll receive a copy by email (check your junk or spam folder if it doesn’t appear). Your parent/guardian and school contact will also receive emails requesting their approval and support. Approvals can be submitted at any time, and we will follow up if anything is missing. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance on or before May 1st via email. The final class list will also be posted on the RYL student website.

Questions?
If you have any questions, contact Jenna Davis, jdavis@nkychamber.com or Ann Marie Whelan, amwhelan@nkychamber.com. 

The tuition for RYL is $275, even though the program costs over $800 per student. This fee is non-refundable and is due after acceptance in May. Tuition covers all retreat expenses, program materials, and refreshments for class sessions.

Financial assistance is available for anyone who cannot participate because of the $275 fee. Please indicate the amount of support you need. Requesting a scholarship will not affect your acceptance. We want everyone to have the opportunity to join, regardless of financial situation.

Your school representative must approve and support your RYL application. By approving, they confirm that you meet the program’s GPA requirements and are eligible to attend RYL sessions. Most school contacts are guidance counselors. Click here for a current list of RYL contacts.

Applications are open to any current high school sophomore in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, even if your school isn’t listed. When you submit your application, your school contact will receive an automatic email from Jotform with a link to approve your application. This email may go to junk or spam folders, so please let them know to watch for it.

Approvals do not need to be submitted by February 1. Schools can approve applications at any time, and we will follow up on missing approvals.

By entering my name below, I commit to fully adhering to the policies and expectations of Regional Youth Leadership (RYL). I have considered my other commitments, including college courses, work responsibilities, and extracurricular activities, and understand that full attendance and participation are essential for a successful RYL experience. I accept the program’s attendance requirements, acknowledge that the opening retreat on Sunday, September 13, 2026, is mandatory, and recognize that two or more unexcused absences will result in removal from the program.

I assert that I am invested in this program and welcome the opportunity to participate. I am not being forced or coerced into submitting an application by a parent, guardian, or other individual.

I agree to complete session evaluations and submit one written essay on a session topic, which will be determined at a later date. I understand that my application will not be considered complete until my parent/guardian and school representative submit the required approval forms, which will be sent electronically to the email addresses I provided.

I acknowledge that acceptance notifications will be sent via email on or before May 1, 2026 in adition to being posted on the RYL student website.